Dundy County Chamber of Commerce & Development
Meeting Minutes - Thursday, June 7, 2007 - Community Building

   The meeting was called to order by President Rita Jones at 6:13 p.m. with members Jerry Preston, Richard Bartholomew, Gary Clark and Ben Blecha present. Linda Melchert and Bill Lewis arrived at 6:17 and Scott Vanderford at 6:37.
   MINUTES AND TREASURER'S REPORT--Minutes of the May 3, 2007, meeting were reviewed with Jerry making a motion to approve. Ben seconded and the motion carried.
   The treasurer's report was reviewed and Gary made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Jerry. Motion carried.
   UPDATES/REPORTS--The following updates and action group reports were given: Gary provided a handout and verbal overview of the Community Improvement Group. Highlights included needed improvements at the Dundy County Library; a need for additional handrails at the U.S. Post Office; city light plant building needs rehabilitation; former city swimming pool area needs privacy fencing; the southeast portion of the city park needs attention; the main street tree project is nearly complete; discussion on tree plantings along the railroad and city park area; and, in summation, things are progressing well for the group.
   Scott reported that the website changes were going well and that he is working on graphics for businesses and updating the business directory.
   Ben gave a brief update on the communications group, then opened discussion on thoughts he had for membership and business promotion through print and radio advertising and the main street public address system. He also presented an idea on signage to be placed along the highway to encourage shopping at home and to present costs of travel to other destinations for shopping.
   Following much discussion, Ben made a motion to continue to promote the Try Local, Buy Local campaign among Chamber members and to talk with the management of The Benkelman Post newspaper about a possible discount on print advertising for Chamber members. Linda seconded and the motion carried.
   Jerry reported that Bob Prangley proposes that the Chamber change its membership year from a calendar year format to a fiscal year format so as to accommodate new members at any time. Billings for dues would be sent as the membership expires. A lengthy discussion period followed. It was in general agreement that no changes to the membership year would be made during 2007 but that the issue could be revisited when dues are set for the 2008 year.
   Jerry reported that the Chamber's affiliation with Nebraska Rural Living (previously Business Beyond the Farm) is in its second year of commitment and that the listing of names and addresses of Dundy County high school graduates needs to be submitted so as to be entered into a database. Linda said she would do the follow-up.
   Jerry presented some brief information and a request by Bob Prangley for a budgeted amount for a mailing. The issue was tabled for further analysis and information.
   The topic of a Dundy County representative for the SWNCBC board of directors was discussed. It was in general agreement that further analysis of Ben being a representative and the possibility of adding another from our area will be done.
   Jerry presented a report and handout by Gene and Linda Jones of the Housing action group. Other known additions were noted. Jerry also reported on the renovation and remodeling project at Benkelman Apartments which has halted at this time. In questioning management about the project he was told it is an "on-going process."
   Rita reported that a letter of support from the Chamber has been composed and submitted to Gary for inclusion with a grant application seeking financial consideration for a community improvement project at the Legion Hall location.
   Ben left the meeting at 8:21 p.m.
   INDEPENDENCE DAY--Rita led discussion about Independence Day activities or the lack thereof. Linda made a motion, seconded by Jerry, that the Chamber sponsor a 2-column by 5-inch ad in The Benkelman Post to encourage support of local activities on the 4th of July. Motion carried.
   MEMBERSHIP DECALS--Linda presented a finished product of the window-cling membership decal. Scott and Jerry volunteered to assist Linda in the distribution of the decals to the current membership.
   PHONE BILLINGS--Richard reported that he has recently been made aware that the former SWADC organization has billings for a telephone number and a toll-free incoming telephone number which are three months in arrears. Linda made a motion to pay bills and to discontinue the accounts. Scott seconded the motion. Motion carried.
   PLAN TABLED--A proposed population and business growth plan was tabled to a future meeting.
   INVITATION EXTENDED--Richard reported the membership name change from Kinder Morgan to SourceGas. A representative of the company, who has her office in Kearney, was in town recently to introduce herself and help educate people about the name change. Richard said he invited her to attend a future Chamber meeting.
   NEXT MEETING--The next meeting of the Chamber was set for Thursday, July 5, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Community Building.
     There being no further business to come before the Chamber at this meeting, it was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Richard Bartholomew € Secretary/Treasurer